Two US Congress Members Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Scandals

Eric Swalwell (Democrat, California): Multiple accusations of sexual assault Representative Eric Swalwell, who has represented California since 2012 and was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor, officially announced his resignation from Congress on Monday evening. Four women have accused him of serious misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to sexual assault and rape. One former staffer claims she was raped by the congressman. The allegations, first published last Friday by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, triggered widespread outrage across party lines. Swalwell suspended his gubernatorial campaign on Sunday before announcing his resignation the following day. In a statement posted on social media, he denied the most serious accusations while acknowledging “errors in judgment”: “I will fight the serious and false allegations made against me. However, I must take responsibility for the mistakes I have made. It is also unfair to my constituents that I remain distracted from my duties. That is why I am resigning from my seat in Congress.” The House Ethics Committee had already opened a formal investigation. Lawmakers from both parties were calling for his immediate expulsion. His resignation avoids a humiliating vote. Tony Gonzales (Republican, Texas): Affair with staffer who later died by suicide Just hours after Swalwell, Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas’s 23rd District (San Antonio) announced he would “retire” upon the return of Congress. Gonzales faced an ethics investigation and a possible expulsion vote after admitting to an extramarital affair with a member of his staff. The staffer later died by suicide. Reports also allege that he solicited intimate photos and exerted pressure on other staff members. While Gonzales described his decision as a “retirement,” multiple sources indicate he was primarily trying to avoid an expulsion vote that would have made him only the seventh member in congressional history to be expelled. Reactions and Impact The dual resignations come at a time when Congress is already under scrutiny. Leaders from both parties quickly responded:

Democrats expressed disappointment over Swalwell’s behavior, once a high-profile member of their caucus. Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, had already urged Gonzales not to seek re-election.

Although the departures will have limited impact on the balance of power in Congress (special elections will be held for both seats), they highlight the persistent issues of sexual harassment and abuse of power on Capitol Hill. Former Congresswoman Jackie Speier and others have called for deeper reforms to the workplace culture in Congress, which she described as a “very predatory environment.” The scandals come just seven months before the midterm elections, as both parties struggle to manage multiple ethics controversies. What’s next: Special elections will be scheduled in California and Texas to fill the vacant seats. Ethics investigations and potential criminal proceedings may continue despite the resignations.